Compostable vs Biodegradable: And 6 More Terms You Really Need to Know

Why This Matters

We all want to make better choices — for our homes, our families, and the planet. But the world of “eco-friendly packaging” is full of buzzwords that often confuse more than they clarify.
So let’s break them down, the Urban Organic Life way: simple, relatable, and without the guilt.

1. COMPOSTABLE — The Gold Standard

Compostable materials break down fully into:
✔️ nutrient-rich compost
✔️ water
✔️ carbon dioxide
✔️ zero toxins

They benefit the soil and disappear completely within months.

🟢 Why It’s Great

• Leaves no microplastics

• Turns into compost

• Perfect for food waste, packaging, cutlery, bags

Examples

• Cornstarch bags

• Bagasse/sugarcane plates

• Paper-based cups

• Vegetable waste

⏳ Breaks down in: 8–12 weeks (industrial), 3–6 months (home compost)

2. BIODEGRADABLE — Not As Clear As It Sounds

Biodegradable simply means it will break down eventually.
But:
❌ It may take years
❌ It may leave toxins or microplastics
❌ It may still be made from plastic

Biodegradable ≠ eco-friendly by default.

Examples

• Paper

• Jute

• Bamboo

• Some plastics labelled as “biodegradable”

⏳ Breaks down in: months to decades

3. OXO-BIODEGRADABLE — The “Fake Eco-Friendly” Option

These are plastics mixed with additives that help them fragment faster.
But they become:
⚠️ microplastics
⚠️ harmful to soil
⚠️ dangerous to marine life

Verdict:

🛑 Not compostable
🛑 Not safe
🛑 Should be avoided

4. PLANT-BASED (Bio-Based) — Natural… But With Conditions

Just because packaging is made from plants doesn’t mean it’s compostable.

A corn-based plastic bottle may still behave like normal plastic unless it’s certified compostable.

Look for Certifications:

• EN 13432

• ASTM D6400

• OK Compost logo

Plant-based ≠ automatically eco-friendly.

5. RECYCLABLE — Good, But Not Always Effective

Recyclable means it can be recycled if:

• it’s clean

• it’s segregated

• facilities exist

But in India, only 9% of recyclable plastic actually gets recycled.

Best recyclable materials

• Glass

• Metal

• Paper

• PET bottles (if clean)

Poorly recycled

• Chip packets

• Biscuit wrappers

• Tetra packs

• Laminated pouches

6. HOME COMPOSTABLE vs INDUSTRIAL COMPOSTABLE

HOME COMPOSTABLE

Breaks down at room temperature — perfect for kitchen compost bins.
Examples: food scraps, paper, cornstarch bags, coffee filters.

INDUSTRIAL COMPOSTABLE

Needs high heat (55–60°C), controlled humidity, shredding.
Examples: PLA cups, bioplastic cutlery.

If industrial compostables aren’t sent to industrial facilities, they may not break down.

7. RECYCLED vs RECYCLABLE — Huge Difference

RECYCLED

Made from recycled materials.
Examples: recycled paper, recycled PET.

RECYCLABLE

Can be recycled after use.

Recycled is always better than recyclable.

8. ZERO-WASTE — The Ideal, Not the Rule

Zero-waste means sending nothing to a landfill.
It’s beautiful in philosophy, tough in practice.
But you can aim for:

• Low-waste kitchens

• Reusable containers

• Cloth bags

• Bulk buying

• Composting

Choosing better doesn’t mean being perfect.
It means being aware.

At Urban Organic Life, we focus on:
🌿 compostable packaging
🌿 minimal waste
🌿 natural materials
🌿 honest labelling
🌿 ingredients that respect the earth

Because sustainability isn’t a trend — it’s a lifestyle of small, mindful choices.

✨ Clean products. Clean packaging. Clean living.
🛒 Explore sustainable pantry essentials at urbanorganiclife.com